Album Review: "Our Future Selves" - Shuteye Unison

• Author: Mike G
• Published: Wednesday, December 08, 2010
  
  

• SHUTEYE UNISON
  Our Future Selves
  (Parks and Records; 2010)
  
  The first time I hit play on Our Future Selves, the new album from Shuteye Unison, what immediately struck me about the opening riff of opening track "Be Kimball" was that it was way different from how the band's last album started. The opening track of that album — the band's self-titled debut LP — creeps in slowly with a wall of warm ambient noise. Back then I thought that was a boldly arty way to start an album. Like any good artist, the band seems to be deliberately confounding expectations with the opening of their new album.

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  SHUTEYE UNISON
  Our Future Selves
  (Parks and Records; 2010)
  
  The first time I hit play on Our Future Selves, the new album from Shuteye Unison, what immediately struck me about the opening riff of opening track "Be Kimball" was that it was way different from how the band's last album started. The opening track of that album — the band's self-titled debut LP — creeps in slowly with a wall of warm ambient noise. Back then I thought that was a boldly arty way to start an album. Like any good artist, the band seems to be deliberately confounding expectations with the opening of their new album.

  But don't worry — if you're a fan of Shuteye Unison's dreamy indie pop with a decidedly post rock bent, you're still going to love Our Future Selves. The album is stylistically very similar to its predecessor, except for that opening riff.

  Which isn't to say there's been no evolution from album to album. Shuteye Unison has broadened their sound somewhat, incorporating what sounds like an a cappella childrens' choir at the end of "Portable Rome," for instance. And there also seems to be something looser about the overall feel. The songs are less tautly arranged, more atmospheric, but without sacrificing any of the catchier hooks that made their debut album so likely to get stuck in your brain.

  Take standout track "Century M" for instance. They've been playing this song live for a while, and I swear the Mogwai-esque bassline has been stuck in my brain ever since I first heard it. Thing is, the entire song is not only anchored on that bassline, but the band is more or less content to just let the bass breathe, inhabiting a space totally unto itself, continually asserting itself amid a guitar line that never really vies for your attention but adds just the right amount of harmony and noise to make the song feel complete. Tracks like this show that the band is really coming into its own, and should be one to watch going forward.

  You can catch Shuteye Unison this Saturday down in Princeton, CA (near Half Moon Bay) at Old Princeton Landing (deets are on the Parks and Records website). And if you're anything like me, you'd love to hear Our Future Selves on vinyl. Well then, pony up! The band has a Kickstarter page for donations to help a vinyl release happen. Listen to a preview of Our Future Selves here.

  I asked Jon, band member and Parks and Records founder, a few questions about the album, and thought I'd let the band speak for themselves a bit.

   

  What were you trying to capture with this album? How does this album differ, in your opinion, from y'all's first album?
  
  Jon - To be honest the one thing the band aligned on with regards to a common thread for constructing this album was, "sexability above all." It was our way of saying we wanted to capture something physical, emotional, beat-driven, and exciting. During the writing process if we got stuck, one of us would say, "sexability above all," and it would help get us back on track. Other than that we make a conscious effort not repeat ourselves, experiment with the fundamental elements of a pop song without becoming self indulgent, and have fun. 

  Were there any other bands' sounds that influenced the sound you were going for on this album?

  
  Jon - I bet if you asked the four of us we would all say something totally different and I think the album actually captures those differences quite nicely. Our influences are all over map (literally), but we all like a nice big true drum tone, strong dynamics, and natural takes or feels.    

   

  What is your favorite song on the album? Or, if that's too much like picking your favorite child, tell us a song that you're especially proud of and why.

  
  Jon - How about I tell you what is my favorite part of each song on the album? 

  T1 - Daniel's vocals. This song was on the chopping block until the vocals brought it all together. Then it became the first song on the album. Go figure.

  T2 - The pocket (double drums and bass). Live, when this song is on, it's really fucking on.   

  T3 - Guitars. Both Daniel and Remco checked the space ooze at the door and delivered some nice post-rock guitar a la Mr. Moore.

  T4 - Keyboards. Too bad we don't have a fifth member for live shows. 

  T5 - The Drums. Cheers to Papi Krohn!

  T6 - The Drums. The opening drum beat seriously reminds me of Dr. Feelgood.

  T7 - The end. Everything just sounds big, loud, and beautiful. 

  T8 - The entire song structure. A very nice journey and so much fun to play live. I still can't believe we wrote this one days before we headed into the studio. 

  T9 - The bass line. Can I say that?   

  T10 - The song title. Big love to little P. 

   

  What would be your dream tour companions for touring behind this album?

  
  Jon - Hard to say without knowing the band because the best times on tour usual happen between shows. With that said I would have to be on the road with the bands that I have a ton of respect for and would enjoy watching every night, The Wrens, The Melvins, Superchunk, Fugazi, Three Mile Pilot, and Band of Horses.  

   

  Tell us about Parks & Records. Is the whole band involved in the label? What does it mean to the band to be on a label that is not just a label but also a force for environmental good?

  
  Jon - The label is pretty much me and my wife (Mimi). However, Daniel helps a ton and the other guys in the band are certainly into the cause. The mission behind the label is to build a community of like-minded musicians and fans, release passionate indie-pop/noise-rock albums, reduce waste through 100% recycled/reused packaging, and support organizations dedicated to making our planet greener (like the National Parks Conservation Association). For me the label just makes total sense from a sustainability perspective. Low environmental impact and low overhead so we can be a champion for our bands today and tomorrow.  

   

  Anything else you want to add?

  
  Jon - Go see Silian Rail live and take a chance on a Carcrashlander album, preferably "Where to Swim."
  

   

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